I've just returned from an important event in the lives of our Year Up students: the announcement of their internship sites. Eighty students in two different tracks (Business and Computer Science) have been working toward this day for the past six months. As our fully-enrolled students, they take a full load of classes while concurrently completing noncredit workshops and seminars in soft skills, ranging from "elevator pitches" to appropriate professional conduct and exploration of individual talents and attributes. Now, all their work culminates in learning where they'll be able to apply what they've learned.
Aviation Technology auditorium radiated excitement and apprehension. The students knew that they were going to be placed in premier business locations: a partial roster of hosting organizations includes Facebook, Universal Music, Amazon, Cedar-Sinai, Sony, Warner, SnapChat, Live Nation, Getty Research Institute, MGM--and West. But the feeling that pervaded the room transcended individual goals. Shouts, "whoops," applause, and some tears accompanied every announcement. The students were truly there for each other, and I was so impressed with the level of support they exhibited for their friends.
I want to thank Tammy Gordon, Year Up Executive Director, and all her dedicated staff who work with their students --our students--to provide a supportive environment that helps every individual learn about him/herself and to acknowledge, even celebrate, what they are capable of achieving.
If you know of any student who would benefit from the Year Up experience, I urge you to reach out to Tammy and her staff.